How Does The Citizenship Application Process Work In Turkey?

6 September 2019

The Turkish Investor Program is a privileged citizenship program which enables you to receive a Turkish Passport, with the right to live, work, and enjoy easy access to Schengen zone countries, by investing in Turkish real estate. We answered the 5 most frequently asked questions about process of Turkey citizenship 2019 application.

Q: How does the citizenship application process work in Turkey?

A: When you buy property/properties, with a combined value of at least $250,000, you can apply to the Tapu Office (General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadaster), and request to obtain Turkish Citizenship.

Your application is. sent to the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, whose Appraisers check and verify the value of the property. The Ministry then places a statement on the Tapu (title deed) stating that you may not sell it for 3 years.

They then send your application to the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs and you are.later invited to give your signature and receive your ID card and Turkish passport.

Q: Can my family get Turkish Citizenship?

A: Yes. You, your wife (or husband) and your children who are under the age of 18 (on the application date) may get citizenship.

Q: Should I buy one property above $250,000 or can I buy multiple properties?

A: You can buy either just one property, or several properties which have a total value of more than $250,000 but remember that you need to apply for your citizenship at the same time for all. The Tapu office only accepts citizenship applications if the declared values are above $250,000.

Q: What is the responsibility of the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization?

A: The ministry verifies that the value declared on the Title Deed is correct and above $250,000, with sworn appraisers. All the property value must be. paid by bank transfer to the Property Sellers.

Q: What are the procedures and expenses to be.made for applications in 2019?

A: Article 20, of the Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law enacted.by the Council of Ministers Decision dated 11/12/2010 and numbered 2010/139 was.amended by the Presidential Decree of 18.08.2018, following which date, foreign investors were.entitled to acquire citizenship upon acquisition of immovable property for 250.000 USD. The fees and expenses required.for citizenship procedures are listed below.

Citizenship Application Process

According to this;

1- First of all, the Title Deed fee varies, according to the price of the immovable property to be purchased. Until 31.12.2019, both parties, the buyer and the seller should pay 1.5% of the immovable value.

However;

2- After the purchase of the immovable, an application will be made for the certificate of conformity.

3- The certificate of conformity is.sent to the applicant.within 15 days.

5- Short term residence applications are.made after the related fees are paid by the investor. Citizens’ fee is 15 TL per person.

6- In addition, it is compulsory to have a health insurance to apply for residence permit, which varies according to the insurance companies, but an average of 300-350 TL health insurance premium will be paid.

When applying for citizenship, a notarized translation of passport, prepared.by a sworn translator, is.required for each person applying (ie, spouse/children).

7- When applying for citizenship, a notarized translation of passport, prepared.by a sworn translator, is.required for each person applying (ie, spouse/children). The fees and expenses to be.paid, including translation fee and notary approval, are approximately 200 TL per document.

8- If the applicant is.married, the notarized translation of the marriage certificate with APOSTILE costs 200 TL.

9- If there are children, the notarized translation of birth certificates with APOSTILE costs around 200 TL per document.

10- In order to benefit from the lawyer service while the immovable property is purchased, the attorney must be. given a Power of Attorney by the applicant,.issued by an approved notary, and a sworn interpreter service is.also required. Attorney and interpreter fees are around 350-400 TL.

For example, if 1 person wants to get citizenship with an investment of 250.000 USD, title deed + revolving fund will be around 23.000 TL.

Approx. 1750-2000 TL will be required for other expenses. Cost items that will vary here are interpreter fees.